Installed the mini starter on the 440 today but before I did, I took off the extension assy because it was cracked. After install I noticed how close it is to the block. Has anyone figured a way around this or is it ok?

It's usually around 1/4" clearance and should be okay as long as nothing metal falls in there. That would cause a nice light-spark show.

A guy on FABO was selling these out of a group buy for $22 to your door. might still be available. EDIT the black piece is a cover that comes with it.

I just ran the nuts on and then cut a bit of the studs off.been on for almost 20 tears now.Some blocks are closer than others.Rocky

That's exactly what I did...

You could also wedge/stuff a piece of rubber in between stud and block to act as an insulator.

That's a very good idea! I'll try that. Thanks

mine is close like that too with no issue. i've got about a 1/4 inch between the the block. you could either grind it down or get some shrink wrap.

I've got a bit under 1/4" clearance on mine and no issue in 15 years.

Be aware that most/some rubber compounds contain carbon and depending on the amount it can conduct. Might look into it before proceeding. Silicone sheet material or something else may be a better choice.

Thats the juntion block that usually comes on the starter. I just replaced my starter last week and like I did on the starter that was on it I take that block off. Then the starter positive stud is about 1/4" from the block. As was said you can trim it a little shorter with a cutter if you like more room but the 1/4" is fine. As long as the starter bolts dont come loose it cant get any closer and should be fine as thats how mine has been for 11 years. Ron

Ron I didn't know if I wasted my money or not.

383man - i don't think that's the same piece. what Robert has looks like it's an 'outward' extension piece while the piece we have to take off is usually black and moves the connection out and up.

OP - there is usually a plastic piece that is covering the lugs when you buy a new one. it might, and i stress might, fit back on.

The adapter on the starters were on the small block and 3.9's. As far as I know, they have to be removed for the starter to fit a b-rb. The one shown above may be a custom job I dunno.

I'm thinking it was a tailor made item, I just dont remember the brand/part # particulars but I thought to myself that I'll need it (one of these days!) cuz they talked it up over there as a real problem solver & I do have a mini on the shelf.

it must be a small block thing as it wouldn't do anything to keep the connections further from the block. the piece still needs to be fastened down.

You may be right. I will have to look at the one I took off last week as I think its still laying on the bench in the garage. I do know I get my starters for a 95 Dakota with the 318 and the starter wont even fit with the juntion block on them that comes on the starters I have gotten. I have to take that off because it hits the eng block with the juntion block on it. But the one shown in this post may be different. If the starter fits on the car with the juntion block on it shown in this post then you are right and it would be different. I just assumed they were all the same but I gotta look at the one I took off now. Ron

Memory test from a few years back:. '94-95 had the stand-off, which has to be removed For big block use. '98 has two studs sticking out and nothing else, ready to use
In a big block application, and looks just like the '94 with the stand off removed. 2000 had one big battery terminal and one plug-in spade terminal for which
A special connector was used (or you can wing it).